Tweet

Online Networking and the Workplace

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: In today’s world of fast technology, organizations face the task of how to handle the online social networking craze headlined by popular sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In this edition of Astronology, we take a look into the online social networking phenomena and its impact on the workplace.

Online Networking and the Workplace

In today's world of fast technology, organizations face the task of how to handle the online social networking craze headlined by popular sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In this edition of Astronology, we take a look into the online social networking phenomena and its impact on the workplace. Online Social Networking: Tech Savvy Communication and Networking?

Simply put, the initial goal for social networking sites is to provide individuals and organizations the opportunity to participate in online communication and networking with other "wired" individuals and organizations. The key debate regarding social networking in the workplace centers on an organization's desire to use the most effective communication devices and applications available while maintaining employee productivity.

Many organizations have used these sites to their advantage, promoting their organizational goals, achievements, and even recruiting volunteers or employees via such websites. Other organizations have deemed such sites as distracting and a hindrance to production, as workers become preoccupied checking status updates instead of finishing a project or task. Organizations on both sides of the debate find themselves grappling with smaller, related issues.

The Dilemma of Using Online Social Networking

Organizations that allow open access to online social networking sites face unique dilemmas. A primary dilemma is the awkwardness of office friendliness. In research prepared by the University of Pennsylvania, Nancy describes a scenario: "What if your boss friends [request] you on Facebook? That's a dilemma. How do you not accept that friend? What if you really are friends?" If workers are using a social networking account strictly for business purposes, this scenario is not problematic. However, if workers have a personal social networking account, this poses a problem. How close is too close? Many employees may find it invasive if employers, or even employees on the same work level, request "friend" or linked status in one's personal network. In such cases, organizations may want to check with legal counsel for advice on developing Internet policies with respect to using social networking for organizational purposes. Spelling this information out in the policy can help manage the idea of closeness without invading.

Another primary dilemma is online etiquette. Such websites allow 24-hour access to everyone, which in essence, allows employees to connect with work 24/7...creating boundary issues between work and home, and an overlap of worlds. According to Wharton management professor Nancy Rothbard, "On the one hand it enables flexibility. In some ways, it makes you more effective. But it can also lead to burnout. In the long term, it may lead to conflict about how you feel towards your other life roles and your ability to be fully present in any one domain." The balance between keeping work at the office and keeping home life at home can become uneven with constant overlapping.

Within the etiquette dilemma is also the idea of censorship...primarily, the lack thereof. HR Guru created an article listing the top Twitter mistakes made by actual employees. Some of these mistakes include the following:

• Lying on the Job.

• Criticizing Their Employer's Job.

• Goofing Off at Work.

• Complaining About Your Boss and/or Employees.

To avoid such problems, consult legal counsel to create a policy, particularly if your organization is inclined to open access to such sites to your employees.

The Dilemma of Not Using Online Social Networking

At the same time, organizations that decide to deny access to such sites face losing potential promotional access and networking availability only found online. This can be particularly harmful for organizations whose target audience is in the demographic of frequent social network users. Using these communication devices is an inventive way to gain additional positive exposure with your target audience. Zappos.com, an online shoe retailer encourages their employees to use Twitter.com accounts to describe how they feel about work, and give insight about the company inside and out. By using social networking openly, Zappos.com gives an excellent example of how transparent communication can help an organization to grow. By banning employees from using these sites on work time, the organization may miss out on the opportunity to grow and develop an open, transparent, and communicative environment.

While social networking is still in its primary stages, it holds the possibility of playing an integral role within the workplace. Will Facebook be as large in the future? Or will it be replaced by an as of yet unknown technology? While the tactical details are fuzzy, the strategic issue is clear. Many organizations find it worth the time to investigate social media with respect to the organizational benefits. Whether your final decision is "nay" or "yay" for online social networking, remember that other organizations across the globe are facing these same quandaries and may have unique solutions. By investigating how similar organizations approach the subject of online networking within the workplace, you can make a conscious decision as to how your organization can best approach the subject.

Related Articles
  Intro to Social Networking
  Twitter-savvy job applicants only need apply
  Home Business Expert: Importance Of Video Social Networking
  Why You Need Offline Networking Strategies for Your Business
  How to Find the Right Social Networking Marketing Video Course to Meet Your Marketing Needs
  Networking Tip - 5 Social Networking Ways That Benefit Introverts
  Networking Mistake Myopia
  How to Make Social Networking in Business and Asset to an Online Home Business
  Social Networking: A prime location for advertising
  How To Integrate Your Online Networking with In-Person Events for Best Results
  You’re Not An Employee – You’re a Guest
  Topics You Might Not Want to Share With Those You Supervise
  Social Networking as an Effective Marketing Tool
  Are you a Traditional Marketer looking to find Updated Skills Online?
  Networking with Online Home Business Owners and Why it is Essential
  Online Networking For Business Success
  Are You Confused About Social Networking?
  Learn To Network To Build Your Home Business
  Companies should establish clear policies for social networking sites
  Business networking for busy people

Article Tags: astronology, awkwardness, business purposes, communication devices, effective communication, employee productivity, facebook, friendliness, hindrance, initial goal, linkedin, online social networking, open access, organizational goals, recruiting volunteers, social networking sites, status updates, technology organizations, twitter, university of pennsylvania



Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Re: UPDATES: New Campaign! New Layout! New Ideas! - GT - thanks for the FYI - I'm not sure if we'll put a link back. Something to consider though! Trent - the new category is "Social Network and Media" which was put in to compliment the Online Businesses category that currently exists. Overall the new categories are: - Looking For, Networking and Events - Review My... - Social Network and Media - Brags and Rants These came as a result of Ringo doing research on other forums and thinking about what could be improved on ours to give a better experience for everyone. I hope you enjoy them! David, I'm looking forward to reading your Brag / Rant!
Marketing 2012 - I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Internet Users Hbk http://www.internetscamsanonymous.com - Current site for sale of our handbook as a Clickbank product Welcome any and all feedback: Sale page Content Handbook Content Pricing Too Big Considering braking it to 2 volumes: Avoiding Scams Online and Doing Business Online and maybe ad 3rd volume related internet technology Kind of like selling preventive medicine!! Thank you in advance for your interest and comments
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Intro to Search Engine Optimization

Are You An Accidental Consultant?

Having It All... With No Sleep

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.